First Aid

A person can be poisoned from a number of sources in a variety of ways. Because the cause may be unclear, proper first aid is essential.

Causes: Poison can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or injection. The most common sources of poisoning include cleaning supplies; cosmetics; plants; medications, such as analgesics; gases and vapors, such as gasoline; and pesticides.

Look for container from ingested substance, and try to determine what and how much victim swallowed and when.

If victim is unconscious, call for EMS. If victim is conscious, call Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Be pre­pared to read label on container to emergency personnel and to indicate how much was swallowed and when.

Have the bottle of poison handy when calling for help.

Follow instructions from emergency personnel. DO NOT give anything to eat or drink. DO NOT give antidotes or induce vomiting unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.

This
information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO
PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R),
Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take
responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment,
procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of
medication which results from reading or following the information
contained in this information. The publication of this information does
not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not
replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider.
Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the
advice of their physician or other health care provider.